Nok Air spreads wings with debut in China

Nok Air has solidified its intentions to extend its footprint into China with the planned debut of scheduled flights to Kunming and Guangzhou. <br/>China will drive the SET-listed budget airline's accelerated international network expansion, expected to provide an impetus for future growth. <br/>While the airline is still finalising the launch dates, timetables and fare structures for its Kunming and Guangzhou services, Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin told the Bangkok Post that flights are due to commence in December. China will become the third foreign country in Nok Air's international network to be served from the carrier's Don Mueang airport hub, after Myanmar (Yangon) and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City). "China is clearly a very big market with significant traffic flow," Mr Patee said. Nok Air's launch comes on the heels of rival Thai Lion Air's announcement of a daily scheduled flight to Guangzhou, also from Don Mueang, starting on Oct 28. Nok Air will also be pitted against Thai AirAsia, which has operated flights from Don Mueang to Guangzhou and Kunming for some time. <br/>